Westbank Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has called on President Biden to promote coordination and transparency in the administration's response to the H5N1 influenza (Avian Flu) outbreak.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of clear communication and collaboration among relevant departments and agencies in addressing key questions related to the avian flu outbreak. He stated, "As president, it is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant departments and agencies are coordinating to prioritize and address key questions," and added, "While I have no doubt that scientists around the country are diligently working to try to answer these and other questions, your administration must communicate its research plans in a coordinated way."

The current avian influenza outbreak, first identified in 1996, has caused significant concerns globally, leading to the deaths of hundreds of millions of domestic and wild birds. Dr. Cassidy highlighted the risks associated with the virus spreading to new mammal species, increasing the potential for human-to-human transmission.

Expressing apprehension about the impact on the food supply, Dr. Cassidy raised concerns about the first identified human case in the United States and urged the Biden administration to ensure food safety for Americans. He stressed the need for swift and transparent action to maintain public trust in the response efforts.

The letter also outlined various scientific questions surrounding the avian flu outbreak, including uncertainties about the virus's transmission among cows and concerns about the safety of commercially available milk. Dr. Cassidy called for a prioritized list of research activities with target timelines and data accessibility to nonfederal scientists to enhance validation and understanding.

In conclusion, Dr. Cassidy's letter to President Biden underscores the critical need for a coordinated and transparent approach in addressing the avian flu outbreak to safeguard public health and the agricultural sector.